VISTA and Peace Corps Accepted for Alternate Service
Diocesan Press Service. December 15, 1971 [97-5]
HOUSTON, Tex. -- The Rt. Rev. Scott Field Bailey, Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Texas, and secretary of the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church, has been notified by the National Headquarters of the Selective Service System that VISTA and the Peace Corps "are considered to be appropriate alternate service" for conscientious objectors.
The notification came from Lt. Col. (AUS) John A. Caron, Operations Division Deputy 'Manager of the Selective Service System in response to a resolution by the House of Bishops in October requesting acceptance of the two organizations for alternate service.
Lt. Col. Caron said that these two organizations are acceptable for alternate service "on an individual basis, when the registrant has been accepted for employment by the organization."
The House of Bishops also endorsed the action of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church whereby dioceses, parishes, missions, institutions, agencies and related organizations of the Episcopal Church are requested to seek approval of the National Headquarters of the Selective Service System as alternate service agencies for conscientious objectors when they apply, and requesting the National Headquarters to accept such requests.
Lt. Col. Caron said concerning this request that "the granting of so-called 'umbrella' approval of employers of conscientious objectors is under active study at this headquarters." He added that the House of Bishop's resolution "will receive full consideration."